AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > October > 17 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USI’ll miss the one-liners
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
What an exhausting day. A late night loss in Philly. A 5 a.m. wakeup call for the flight back to Atlanta for practice and then the word becomes official. Bob Hartley is out.
I don’t think anybody can be that surprised but it’s still no fun. We’ll find out if it was the right decision moving forward, and the consensus among the players is that a change was needed. As Moose told me, it’s easier to change one guy than 22. And he’s right. But from my perspective, Hartley was great to work with. Sure, we had our disagreements, but what beat writer and head coach doesn’t? He was a stand-up guy - win or loss. Even when the team was getting swept in the playoffs, Hartley faced the heat. He never shied away from the tough questions. As Eric Perrin said today, he is a class act.
Now, that has nothing to do with the 0-6 start, and the playoff sweep, and everything else that led to today. But from the beat writer’s perspective, Hartley was great. Always good for a quote — He’d tell me, “You get one good one a day,” and more often than not, he delivered.
Understandably, he’s not answering his cell phone right now. And now his voicemail box is full. But I’m sure he’ll be back behind the bench sooner rather than later, and I look forward to dealing with him again when our paths cross.
As for his replacement? Don Waddell’s not tipping his candidates just yet, but I’d start with a group of Dave Lewis, John Anderson, Pat Quinn, and Mike Sullivan and go from there. And who knows, if the team gets hot under Waddell, maybe he’ll give it a run for awhile. Do you have your short list yet?
Comments
By imfire
October 17, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this
Long live Boom-Boom! Wish he was still around, at least Geoffrione was funny…
By RS
October 17, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this
If Pat Quinn gets hired here it will be to take Waddell’s place next year.
By stendec
October 17, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this
I watched the Thrashers-Flyers replay. I know, I know. Why? To carefully examine the effort (or lack thereof) of the players in blue. There was none! Goaltender lost (Not KL this time). Shooters make token effort to launch shots once in a BLUE moon. Defense? Still have not seen any! Falcons on ice? Truly a reality! Farewell BH. I wish you well. No one can guide or motivate prima donnas who refuse to listen, learn or compete. Broken nails are SOOOOO painful!
By Barry Melrose
October 17, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this
Hows the weather in Atlanta, eh?
By GSU-Lee
October 17, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this
I will say this. Through work, I have met Hartley and seen him a number of times and he always came across as a genuine, honest guy. And he was hilarious, always good for a laugh. I am sad to see him go and truly wish this would have worked out differently. He is a good coach and more importantly a good man. I will follow his career wherever he goes and wish him all the best.
By R. Stroz
October 17, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this
John Anderson for coach.
By Reid
October 17, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this
The Thrashers problem is the talent that didn’t return this year. 0 and 6 is about right given the key players that did NOT return. Hartley’s job was lost over the summer.
By GSU-Lee
October 17, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this
Craig, who would you hire? I think Anderson is a pick with some upside and youthful experience. That is who I would go with.
By B. Thenet
October 17, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this
I keep DW behind the bench until it gets turned around, and if it doesn’t…he goes too.
DW has a pretty nifty record behind the bench if I am not mistaken…he may end up there for the rest of the season.
Craig: How would the Wolves react to the Thrashers poaching their head coach? That Wolves management team plays to win, I am not too sure they would take kindly to it.
By fatschoonerrat
October 17, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this
No, Craig. NOT Dave Lewis — and not only because he looks like Adolf Hitler. Not Pat Quinn. No!
By Chris
October 17, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this
Randy Cuneyworth (Rochester AHL Sabres affiliate) would be perfect to work with the small and speedy players Waddell has assembled.
By Ben
October 17, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this
Hartley could’ve done a better job, but it’s hardly his fault. He’s only one person on the long list of people to blame, and just happens to be the easiest to replace. Start with ownership and legal battles, poor roster moves by the general manager, poor player development from the minor league affiliates, poor scouting and drafting. You can’t immediately swap out an entire roster, or management staff, but a coach can be fairly easily replaced. Hartley did a lot for the organization, he gave credibility to the team, I’m sad to see him go.
By Thrasher_Ed
October 17, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this
What a mistake this is! Hartley takes the fall for Waddellsworth, some friend AAAAh? Bring in John Anderson from the Chicago Wolves! Good Luck Bob, I for one will miss you in the ATL!
By Bob
October 17, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this
Hartley can hold his head up high, this all lays at Waddell’s feat. It’s been obvious for many years that he’s incompetent.
If the owners have any lick of sense to them, they’ll force Waddell to coach this mess he built for the rest of the season, and then jettison him on April 7 (can’t fire a man on Sunday).
I fully expect a win tomorrow night and a good 5 game bump here, always happens after a coach gets fired. But let Waddell play out the whole season and make sure the owners have him on a tight leash the rest of the year.
Every GM knows Waddell’s a lame duck now and it’s going to be tough for him to make a good deal for us when he has to move Hoss, so that is one reason to fire him sooner, but then you have to bring in a new GM mid-season, which is tougher to do.
By Sam
October 17, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this
Craig, I am not a conspiracy thinker, but do you think there is a possibility that some of the veterans didn’t give 100% hoping the firing would happen?
By Jameson
October 17, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this
Let the fire sale begin… Who wants to start a pool about how many bad moves Don will make before he gets canned?
By BigAlwithafriendnamedBob
October 17, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this
Bottom line:
Don did Bob a big favor!
How could you expect a team to win with 1 - #3 Center and 3 - #4 Centers?!
We have 3 to 4 scoring wingers and not 1 asset up the middle! Little has some potential but it will take time.
We have needed a #1 Center since we lost Savy.
Rucchin/Kapanen/White/Belanger All #3 Centers at best!
D - what’s that?!
Goalie - do we actually have one?! As much as I hated Sutton (like the rest of you) - I think he used to block more shots than Kari has made saves this year!
Pathetic!
Bob, we wish you well!
By Brian
October 17, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this
Sam - I wish I didn’t read your comment because it immediately made me think of the coup that happened in Colorado. I always figured that the same team also fired Crawford so don’t blame the coach. But now you have me wondering as they have been almost too pitiful in effort.
I think the common consensus among fans is Anderson from the Wolves.
Chris - nice observation on Cunneyworth, but how can you pick him over Anderson from an organizational perspective?
As I said on Rawhide’s blog, no matter what happens, everyone should wind up happy.
I just want to know who DW will start in net and how he plays the lines. That can mean a lot or nothing at all, but it will be interesting…
By Lee
October 17, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this
Bob, I am going to be frank with you, I always thought all that crap you said about waddell was ridiculous…but I have to say you have converted me. You are right, and you have been. Hartley is a good man and he will land on his fight. DW’s history, give it a few weeks, or maybe games.
By David
October 18, 2007 1:17 AM | Link to this
Scotty Bowman!
That’d be sweet.
By Brendan
October 18, 2007 1:21 AM | Link to this
Officially, the short list should have John Anderson on it. On my, “Oh Gawd, I hope not list …” is Dave Lewis, who couldn’t do anything with a Hall-of-Fame laden Red Wings team, and Pat Quinn, who is an “old NHL” kind of coach. And perhaps GM. That’s a major step forward, in my opinion.
Just to throw a Tsunami-like ripple into this discussion, sometimes it’s fun to see which Coaches came into this season on the “short list” of those EXPECTED to be fired.
Hmmn. It’ll take a while longer to happen, but if Tampa Bay falters, wasn’t John Tortorella listed even higher than Hartley on the “short list” of those who might get the ax? I think it was. By one vote.
If the “Wadster” can last long enough behind the bench … all sorts of possibilities could open up as other teams around the league falter and clean house. Last time Waddell coached, it only last 10-games. I thought he went 5-4-1, but maybe it was 4-5-1. What’s the big difference anyway? It’s neither something to trumpet nor harpoon.
Of course, Tortorella is not presently available and may never become available during the year. This is a “discussion site,” where one discusses, ponders, muses, opines, projects, guesses, and sometimes people make utterly wild allegations. I like it when that happens. Sometimes, (gasp,) there’s even hypotheticals and “what if” scenarios. :)
Tortorella was a finalist for the Jack Adams “Coach of the Year” Award in 2003 before winning it in 2004, along with the Stanley Cup. Would anyone want him if he suddenly became available?
By Brendan
October 18, 2007 1:35 AM | Link to this
I meant to say, Pat Quinn is not a major step forward. I’m exhausted.
By Jennifer
October 18, 2007 2:11 AM | Link to this
This is cheating but here is my big list of everyone I found suggested by mainstream media outlets.
I do wish some of these writers had provided the reason for including them on the list. I’ve never heard of some of these guys but they did all have Wikipedia entries.
By R. Stroz
October 18, 2007 2:15 AM | Link to this
John Anderson should be made the coach and GM. Anderson has been a winner at every level of the coaching food chain as well as a former NHL player.
The younger Thrashers have played under him in Chicago and the vets can appreciate his tenure in the league. Furthermore, Anderson knows the pieces in Chicago and Atlanta and may be able to put something together between the two teams that works (speed and size).
Anderson would have to be able to make personnel decisions to be successful. Anderson shouldn’t take the job unless DW is removed from the picture entirely.
However, in order for this to happen, the Thrashers need to tank another six games, so DW gets the gate.
By R. Stroz
October 18, 2007 2:20 AM | Link to this
Jennifer - Thanks for the link.
By Barry
October 18, 2007 3:10 AM | Link to this
I have respect for Hartley. He is a class guy and passionate hockey coach. I feel for him. I know he has to feel a little heart broken and disappointed in not only this teams start but of course being fired. I know it’s not all Hartley’s fault that the Thrashers are where they are, but also think it was “a” right move. I just got the sense that Hartley was probably too over bearing, too hard on his players, and caused them to either tense up and think too much or just eventually tune him out completely. I just don’t think he made the appropiate adjustments to strategy and team play to turn things around. Sure he made some minor adjustments but this team needs to head in a new direction with a philosophy that suits this teams strengths. For example the dump and chase was not working for this team yet Hartley never seemed to change it. There is also no reason for our PP to stink so badly with the talent we have. It was stagnant and was like this all year with no change either. At some point you have to put that on the coach. I wish Hartley the best in the future and find a job coaching a team that suits his style, but Thrashers this year wasn’t it.
By davyd83
October 18, 2007 3:50 AM | Link to this
One name that could surface is for NY Rangers/ Anaheim Ducks assistant Walt Kyle who was Waddell’s college teammate at Northern Michigan. Kyle was a finalist for the NY Rangers job before Bryan Trottier was hired, and would likely have replaced Trottier when he got fired had Kyle not returned to his alma mater as head coach. He was also rumored to be high on the list to coach the New Jersey Devils two years ago while coaching the US team in the World Juniors.
By sharon
October 18, 2007 4:11 AM | Link to this
Ok, maybe this is whimsy, but what about Igor Larionov as head coach? He’s known as “The Professor” for a reason. He always had great hockey skills and hockey sense. I could definately see him coaching one day, if he chose to.
By Tony C.
October 18, 2007 6:47 AM | Link to this
I thought Larionov was all the way retired-he was working for NJD a couple of years ago if memory serves, but now (according to wikipedia he now slings wine.
But I’d be all for it…kinda of like getting Slava-Matic’s Uncle to be the coach.
whoever put forth the Sabres AHL guy-good eye! I bet he would do well should he come over…but honestly, I don’t know that there is a “name” guy out there that’d take the gig…Pat Quinn? REALLY?
I dunno. I mean we all know Melrose has a crush on #17, but I don’t think he’ll be the coach either (especially after he basically called the team out on sportscenter for quitting on hiBob).
Howabout Larry Robinson? A great Defenceman in his time (certainly a challenge area), and a noted “Player’s Coach”….I dunno that he’d come over though.
Anyway, I say what the hell, buy the cheap 2-for-1’s and meet up @ The Flatscreen to boo Don.
GO BLUE !!!
By Tony C.
October 18, 2007 6:56 AM | Link to this
I wouldn’t be upset about Sullivan.
By luckydog
October 18, 2007 7:56 AM | Link to this
From his comments in the paper today, the Hossas won’t be hosting the farewell party for Bob…Hmmmm.
Moving on…. sure will be interesting to see what lines CoachWad puts on the ice tonight. Same ole, same ole? Kovy and Hoss together? Little centering them? Will Thorburn finally get a shot in Slater’s slot? And who’ll be in net?
By storstark
October 18, 2007 8:35 AM | Link to this
Best picks in the following order:
1) John Anderson - People have already spoken about his greatest attributes: competitive, knows the young guys, plays the type of game we need to play. 2) Barry Melrose - LOVES the Thrash, always picks them to win, even when he knows they’ll lose. Instant credibility among the players and fans love him too.
By Robert
October 18, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this
I have always felt that Scott Mellanby had the respsect from players and and they wanted to win for him while he was playing and felt that he would be a great coach.
By FormerIslesFan
October 18, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this
If any of you saw the internet chat b/w EJ Hradick and Barry Melrose on espn.com yesterday, they were both adamant that John Anderson should be the next Thrashers’ coach.
But, I think the discussion has to go beyond that. I think we need to start discussing not only who should be the next coach, but who should be the next GM (assuming we could even get anyone to come in mid-season if the owners actually do the right thing and ace DW). Or, is the question I’m asking one and the same, i.e., will the same person be both GM and coach and would that be good for Blueland?
By Bob
October 18, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this
Bob, I am going to be frank with you, I always thought all that crap you said about waddell was ridiculous…but I have to say you have converted me. You are right, and you have been. Hartley is a good man and he will land on his fight. DW’s history, give it a few weeks, or maybe games.
Lee, I know some people never wanted to hear that the leader was the real problem. Because that meant it wasn’t going to get better. But it’s true, and sometimes the truth hurts. I’ve known for many years that Waddell is the problem. Read Schultz’s column in today’s paper, he nails it on the head. I appreciate you saying what you did, Lord knows I took enough heat from a couple of goofballs for saying the truth, that everyone can now see.
You are right, Hartley will land on his feet. And at the end of this year we’ll finally be rid of the real problem.
Now, let’s win a game tonight. In hockey, whenever the coach is fired, the team usually responds with some good play for a 5 game stretch. I fully expect that to begin tonight, Thrashers need some revenge on those Blue Shirts, I’d love to see a 5-1 spanking. Then they go on the road, which will be good for the guys to get out of town and away from the heat and steel them to be able to get through the rest of this year.
By Chris
October 18, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this
I think Anderson deserves a shot. At minimum he knows and has the respect of the young guys - he must, look at the results from Chicago year after year.
I really believe the die was cast with the sweep last season in DW’s eyes. For some reason it just was not clicking. Agreed we need a new GM as well but let’s start with Anderson and see what happens.
By Steve Belkin
October 18, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this
The one constant in the mediocre history of the Thrashers has been the incompetence of Don Waddell, which is exceeded only by that of the Hawks’ Billy Knight. Waddell should have been the one to go yesterday. Hopefully, he’ll be next…with Knight to follow shortly thereafter!!!
By Will
October 18, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this
If we got Barry Melrose to coach then we would have a guaranteed promotion night: Melrose Mullet Night. First 10,000 fans get a free Barry Melrose replica Mullet wig. It would be awesome.
As far as actual coaching candidates, right now the top choice has to be John Anderson. He has the most experience coaching our players and he is winner. If not him then we need somebody who has proven good with the power play and/or defense. cause those are the two areas in greatest need of improvement.
By Bob
October 18, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this
uh oh, Sportsnet talked to Fat Quinn and he’s ready to come
By Sage of Bluesland
October 18, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this
I hate to be the one to say it, but I don’t think Don Waddell is going anywhere any time soon…
I don’t think the ownership knows any better and actually think he’s doing a good job.
Thus, we will continue to hear Donny’s bluster about ‘building a team to be proud of’…
I’m beyond disgusted.
By dar thompson
October 18, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
Pat Quinn is by far the best choice for the next coach in Atlanta. Great guy, played in Atlanta, and tons of experience.
The owners could get a 2 for 1 deal (Pat has been a coach and GM) and send Waddell packing.
It’s the only deal that akes sense…therefore it probably will not happen.Just wishful thinking
By Brendan
October 18, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this
Scott Burnside strikes again. If you haven’t read this one yet, it’s worth a read. He even credits AJC Columnist Jeff Schultz with a quote.
By Michael Casey
October 18, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this
Hey Waddell, Go ahead and hired someone like Pat Quinn and see how far you get with the rest of the season. Can you say “Idiot”?
By Bernie Mullin
October 18, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this
The team stinks so bad that they should consider changing the name form “Blueland” to “Brownland”!!!
By Bob
October 18, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this
Good article by Burnside, thanks for the link Brendan.
Burnside said: But the Thrashers’ 0-6-0 start goes far beyond coaching, which is what makes the future of this franchise here so troubling and begs the question — when does ownership finish the job?
The short answer: not yet, despite the fact that the failure of the coach is as much a failure of personnel as it is of coaching acumen.
yep, seems like everyone is finally getting to see the picture on what the real problem has been here all along.
By luckydog
October 18, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
Yeah, that’s a great rundown of our underperforming roster by Burnside, Brendan. (The only quarrel I have is that Slater should not still be counted in the same group with the rookies — he’s had time to produce points and just hasn’t.)
Anyway, we now have 8 years, 1 GM, 3 coaches, 0 playoff wins.
As Burnside said, “At some point, the buck has to stop stopping at the coach.”
By timothy flanigan
October 18, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this
how about pat burns.i heard his health is better.when he gets a new team he always does great.look what he did in montreal,toronto,boston and new jersey.in the 1995-96 season boston had the worse record in the nhl.when he took over for the 1996-97 season the bruins finished with over 90 points and were back in the playoffs.
By Brendan
October 18, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
For you “stats freaks,” I do have some stats to report. The longest losing streak from the start of a season belongs to the 1943-44 New York Rangers, at 11 games. Several clubs have begun a season with seven (7) straight losses. They are:
— 1938-39 Montreal Canadiens — 1947-48 Chicago Blackhawks — 1983-84 Washington Capitals — 1997-98 Chicago Blackhawks — 2007-08 Atlanta Thrashers???
The longest home losing streak from the start of a season belongs to the Los Angeles Kings of 1971; it lasted eight games. In case you’re still curious, the longest “winless” streak at home from the start of season belongs to the 1983 Pittsburgh Penguins. They went 0-9-2 over eleven (11) games between October 8 to November 19, 1983.
Need one more stat?? The longest “winless streak” to start a season was those same 1943-44 NY Rangers, who went 0-14-1 during that 15-game stretch. Again, they lost those first 11-straight games to establish the NHL record for that dubious distinction.
Next opponent? The New York Rangers, who perhaps have a vested interest in seeing the Thrashers top that mark!
By luckydog
October 18, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this
CRAIG, any word on what tonight’s lines will look like? Who’ll be a scratch? Who’ll be in net?
We’re all waiting to see what CoachWad will do with this great roster he built….
By Marc Morin
October 18, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this
Hopefully now the days of dump and chase are over.
By DB
October 18, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this
The main problem lies within the Atlanta Spirit and their absolute refusal to admit that they have been wrong about anything. The basketball side dominates and hockey is the red-headed step child. If the group was serious about being the best, they would start with relieving Mullin of his duties and move from there. Scouting on both sides stinks and apparently there is minimal accountability.
By FairweatherFans
October 18, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
It doesn’t matter who the coach is. Waddell is the problem and we all know it. Hartley had this team going in the right direction. A bad start to a season is not grounds to fire a coach that coached this team to a 1st time Division winner and playoff team.
Leave the Mark Levy of baseball with the Braves. Hire a new coach every 2-3 years with the Falcons. Have historically the worst decision making ride with the Hawks. And then go and fire the coach that has the only professional sports team in Atlanta with promise. And to top it of, support Richt and his underachieving team because he’s a really, really nice guy.
No wonder there is no fan support in this town. I sure did enjoy my 4, 1st row Sect 323 tix for the Monday nighter I got for $7.50 a piece.
Management, coaching and the fairweather fans, well, you do have the players supported for committing felonies and insulting those supportive fans.
This is what’s wrong with sports in this town. I sure am glad they have sports packages available to provide access to quality teams for your viewing entertainment.
By FairweatherFans
October 18, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this
Knobber Waddell just fired the only coach in Atlanta professional sports that had a playoff team and division winner.
Yet,
-You have the “Marv Levy of Baseball coaching the Braves”.
-Petrino making poor coaching decisions that would make parents at a PeeWee football game angry.
-The Hawks allowing Waddell to make historically the worst decision making on personel. Verdicts still out on Woodson.
-And, Richt recruiting top 10 players every year to underachieve as a coach. He did coach Donnan’s players well back in 02’ though and he is a really, really nice morally sound Christian.
-Tech is Tech and Gailey is doing just fine with what he has.
This is the problem with sports in this town. It starts with the ownership and executives then trickles all the way down to the fans.
I sure am glad they have sports packages available on TV. But, I was very satisfied with my 4, 1st row Sect 322 tix I got for the Monday nighter. A movie ticket costs more than the $7.50 a piece I got them for. I’ll send my thank you note up to Surrey County VA.
This is a horrible sports town…
By R. Stroz
October 18, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this
Craig - Do you know the lines and roster for tonight’s game yet?
By Adam
October 18, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this
Mellanby as GM & Anderson as coach.
Come on how many of you thought Garth Snow would’ve done as good a job as he has? Event with that nut bag of an owner.
By Thrasher Ryan
October 18, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this
John Anderson for coach. Pat Quinn would be good, but not as coach. Quinn can be Waddell’s replacement after he gets fired (we all know its coming… he’s had 8-9 years to work on this team, and look where we are now). I think it’s pretty lame on Waddell’s part to Hartley under the bus like that. What a loser. As for the team, the following players need to be either traded, waived, or cut—immediately. Ken Klee Jim Slater Brad Larsen Niclas Havelid Bobby Holik Alexei Zhitnik Kari Lehtonen I know some of you might disagree with getting rid of Lehtonen, but lets face the facts… Thrashers were up 4-2 to New Jersey, and Kari cannot hold the lead in the 3rd Period, Thrashers lose, in effect leading to the firing of Bob Hartley. We have Pavelec ready to come up, let’s bring him up and see what we can get for Kari in a trade.
By shoot it
October 18, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this
Pat Burns is a great suggestion.
By sisu
October 18, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this
Waddell hates Anderson so no go there, just ask any Wolves fans and you will see.
By R. Stroz
October 18, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this
Thrasher Ryan - If John Anderson is selected as coach, it would be interesting to see if can get more out of some of his former Wolves players such as Slater, Exelby, and Lehtonen. Since he helped develop these players, he may be able to adapt a system which helps each player maximize their talents.
By R. Stroz
October 18, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this
sisu - All the more reason to get rid of Waddell.
By ranallo10
October 18, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
Sisu — got any proof for that (beyond a Chicago fan)? I’ve yet to hear that, but would love to read somewhere about the differences those two have, or why they are perceived to be at odds.
By Bob
October 18, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
Waddell hates Anderson so no go there, just ask any Wolves fans and you will see.
Sure it’s not the other way around?
No coach worth his salt is going to come in under Waddell. Everyone knows Waddell is a lame duck.
My guess is he hands the keys to McCrimmon to play out the season.
By Tony Lazzaro
October 19, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this
The Thrashers have the best minor league coach in hockey. It is time to bring in John Anderson and let him have the chance to work with the same players that he helped mold in the minors. Anderson works wonders in Chicago while having to cope with daily transactions between Atlanta and Chicago and still keeps the team in contention year in and year out.
By Nate
October 19, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
It’s sounds to me like Hartley did a good job over all in Atlanta, and really it seems like an episode of the Keystone Cops is going on in the front office in Atlanta. DO NOT bring Pat Quinn in as head coach and GM as I live in Toronto (Canadiens Fan here) and watched the country club atmosphere that was in Toronto. Toronto in Quinn’s time never really yet the young play. If you going to hire Quinn you might as Well take Don Cherry from coaches corner on HNIC, at least he will be entertaining, and provide the beat reporters with something to report. Moral of the story is do not hire Quinn you will be the old age home of the NHL if you do (where players spend the end years of there careers).